The Rajah's Fortress — page 289: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

274 THE RAJAH'S FORTRESS. The wounded man was lying prostrate on the floor. The lampon the ebony table still burned dimly. Loyd and Guy lifted him tenderly and placed him on the bed and propped him up among the pillows. He was groaning feebly, as though in pain. They put brandy to his lips, and in a moment he opened his eyes. His gaze roamed about the room with evident alarm, and then his pale, blood- less face took on a more peaceful expression as he saw the familiar faces about him. ‘‘Where is he?’’ he gasped. ‘‘ The dacoit?’’ ‘*His mind wanders,’’ said Loyd, softly. The wounded man heard him. ‘*No, no,’’ he said, with difficulty. ‘‘My mind is clear. I sawa dacoit crawling along the floor. I made a noise, and heturned and saw me. He sprang at me—with—a knife. I called for—help, and then I must have—fallen from—the bed, for—I remem- ber—no more. But tell me——’’ Suddenly his face paled. He dropped back among the pillows. ‘‘’ The fall has opened his wound,’’ said Loyd, making a hasty examination. ‘‘It’s a pity. He was getting along so nicely.”’ ‘*Do you believe what he says?’’ said Guy. ‘‘No. Certainly not. Besides, how could any dacoits get in here?’’ To reassure all, a thorough examination was made again of both rooms, but no trace whatever of a secret passage was discovered, and all were con- vinced that none existed. Their faith was destined to receive a severe shock before the night was over. It was necessary to get some rest, if possible, for they were nearly worn out. And now a new difh- culty confronted them. The oil in both lamps was very low. No more could be had, and they hed left their candles behind as useless. They finally decided to put out the lamps while COLUM 1OOO SS co